Des Plaines Officer Suspended For Putting Gas In Personal Truck

As the Des Plaines Police Department's crime prevention officer, Robert Zaccone worked to thwart wrongdoing.

On Thursday, he acknowledged a misdeed: Putting city gasoline in his personal truck, in what he explained as "a moment of stupidity."

The $15 worth of gas will cost Zaccone a 45-day unpaid suspension and his role as an ambassador for the department, under the terms of an agreement sanctioned by the city fire and police commission. After the suspension, he will return to a regular patrol.

The Police Department will not press criminal charges, Chief James Ryan said.

Zaccone characterized the June incident as a one-time, uncalculated mistake but saw the punishment as fair.

"I do try to hold myself out as a leader," he said. "I don't think [the offense] should be taken lightly."

Zaccone could have lost his job, but Ryan said administrators took Zaccone's overall performance into account in deciding to recommend discipline instead of dismissal.

Zaccone, 37, has been on the force for eight years. The chief said Zaccone has "worked tirelessly" during his three years as crime prevention officer, building a neighborhood watch program, organizing community meetings and dispensing safety tips.

In June, Zaccone said he was fueling a police car when he realized he had an empty tank in his own vehicle, which needed to be taken in for repairs. So he put in some gas.

"I was late. I was lazy," he said.

Employees may not use city gas for private cars under any circumstances, City Atty. David Wiltse said.